By Jamie Brassington
Copyright birminghammail
Two major airlines have revealed strict rules for hand luggage. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will prohibit the use of power banks onboard, joining several other airlines , such as Emirates, with restrictions. The ban will stop passengers from using their power banks onboard and from charging them using the at-seat ports, reports Express.co.uk. While the banks can still be taken into the cabin , they are not allowed to be used and must be kept in clear sight. READ MORE: Holiday getaway four-hour flight from Birmingham Airport where it’s 26C in October Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join This ban has been introduced while fears are mounting over the safety of lithium batteries while in the air. Last week, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued an updated alert after reporting 50 incidents concerning power banks. It stated: “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers. “Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety,” the update said. Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines, the latter of which operates flights from London Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, join several other airlines that have brought in restrictions this year. Air Busan became the first airline to ban the use of power banks on board after a fire broke out on one of its flights in January. The plane had to be decommissioned due to the damage. Emirates and the low-cost carrier, Singapore Airlines, which both operate flights from the UK, have also introduced power bank restrictions. Eva Air, Thai Airways and Air Asia also rolled out bans. Meanwhile all airlines operating from Japan will have to cooperate with guidance from its transport ministry, which said all passengers will need to keep power banks in sight at all times on board. The main concern with lithium batteries on airplanes is the risk of fire due to thermal runaway, which is an uncontrolled overheating event which can lead to intense heat, smoke, and potentially explosions. Lithium batteries can power a huge range of devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and electric vehicles.
